B2C brands, because they have a history of engagement with mass markets, tend to be far ahead of B2B companies when it comes to social media. Lessons from Coca Cola and Bravo, who are leading the way among consumer brands in social media.

How do you accelerate the adoption of social within your organization? How do you convince your employees that it’s not a fad, but a fundamental shift in how we market to and engage with our consumers? Try a social media boot camp.

With people circulating content through a greater number of looser ties and across many communities and platforms, companies must shift from using conversations as data to figuring out what will truly delight customers, what might turn them off, and what it truly means to be "social."

Ambient reality, data overload, social business, and creating ethical standards amid a quickly burgeoning socia-media landscape are some of the themes dominating conversations this year at tech conferences like SXSW. Here's a quick crib sheet.

For three years, Fast Company and Mercedes-Benz vans have partnered to award an innovative and growing business with a Sprinter van and $10,000 to customize it to propel their business to new heights. This year, we are welcoming a new member of the Mercedez-Benz vans fleet. The all-new 2016 Metris. Click here for the official rules.